A 200 by Deep Purple - Guitar Lesson

“A 200” by Deep Purple is an instrumental track that showcases the band’s ability to blend rock with progressive and experimental elements. This guitar lesson from LickLibrary.com focuses on breaking down the key guitar techniques used in this song, allowing you to master the dynamic soloing and rhythm work featured in the track. Techniques such as hammer-ons, slides, vibrato, and string bending are prominently used in "A 200," and this lesson will help you perfect each one. By the end, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how these techniques contribute to the song’s overall feel and how they can be applied to your playing in a broader sense. This song is taught by Danny Gill.

Techniques in "A 200"

Hammer-ons

Hammer-ons are used frequently throughout "A 200," especially during the more melodic sections of the song. This technique involves using your fretting hand to "hammer" onto the fretboard to produce a note without picking the string again. It allows for fluid, legato-style phrasing that is smoother than picking each note individually. Hammer-ons are beneficial for building finger strength and speed, as well as giving your playing a more connected and lyrical quality. In this lesson, you’ll practice incorporating hammer-ons in both slow, expressive lines and faster runs, giving you the versatility to use this technique across various styles.

Slides

Slides are a key component of Ritchie Blackmore’s phrasing in "A 200," adding smooth transitions between notes and enhancing the song’s overall fluidity. A slide allows you to connect two notes by sliding your finger from one fret to another, which creates a seamless, continuous sound. Slides are especially effective for adding emotion to your playing, as they can make transitions between notes sound more vocal and expressive. Learning how to execute slides cleanly and with precision will add a new level of sophistication to your guitar playing, and this lesson will show you exactly where and how to apply them in "A 200."

Vibrato

Vibrato is an essential technique in guitar playing that adds depth and emotion to individual notes. In "A 200," vibrato is used to emphasize certain notes and make them stand out with a richer, more resonant tone. Vibrato involves slightly bending the string back and forth to create a variation in pitch, giving the note a "singing" quality. Practicing vibrato will not only improve your control over individual notes but also help you develop your own personal playing style. In this lesson, you’ll focus on mastering various types of vibrato, from subtle to wide, ensuring that you can apply this technique effectively to enhance your expression.

String Bending

String bending is another technique that plays a crucial role in the solos of "A 200." This technique involves bending the string to raise the pitch of a note, creating tension and release in your playing. String bends are particularly useful for adding drama and emotion to your solos, as they mimic the natural inflection of a human voice. In this lesson, you’ll practice both half-step and full-step bends, learning to control the pitch accurately and resolve bends smoothly. By mastering string bending, you’ll be able to add a new level of expressiveness to your playing, making your solos more engaging and dynamic.

Why Learn These Techniques?

The techniques used in "A 200" are essential for any guitarist looking to develop their technical ability and expression. Not only will mastering these techniques allow you to play this Deep Purple track note for note, but they will also serve as foundational skills that can be applied to many other genres and styles.

• Hammer-ons: These help develop finger strength, improve speed, and create smooth, connected phrases in your playing.
• Slides: Learning slides will enhance your phrasing, making transitions between notes sound more natural and expressive.
• Vibrato: Vibrato adds emotion and depth to your notes, giving your playing a more personal and vocal quality.
• String Bending: String bending allows you to create tension and release in your solos, giving your guitar playing more expression and feeling.

Each of these techniques plays a vital role in shaping the character of "A 200," and by mastering them, you’ll not only be able to replicate this classic Deep Purple track but also enhance your overall guitar playing ability.

Ritchie Blackmore’s Influence on "A 200"

Ritchie Blackmore’s contribution to Deep Purple’s sound cannot be overstated. Known for his innovative approach to blending classical, blues, and hard rock, Blackmore’s playing style has been a major influence on rock and metal guitarists worldwide. "A 200" is a clear example of his ability to craft melodic lines and solos that stand out, despite the song’s experimental nature. Blackmore’s use of advanced guitar techniques like slides, hammer-ons, and string bending, paired with his unique tone and feel, give "A 200" its distinctive character. Studying Blackmore’s playing on this track offers insight into his creative process, and mastering these techniques will allow you to incorporate similar flair into your own guitar playing.

List of Guitar Techniques Covered in This Lesson

• Hammer-ons
• Slides
• Vibrato
• String Bending

By focusing on these techniques, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle "A 200" by Deep Purple and apply these fundamental skills to any number of songs and solos. Whether you’re looking to improve your technical proficiency or add more emotion to your playing, these techniques will help you achieve both goals.